Ely Scene

Hello you 👋

The Christmas countdown is on in Ely, and this week is packed with sparkle, carols and family favourites. From festive lights and Santa visits to cosy concerts, sensory-friendly events and peaceful moments at the Cathedral, there’s plenty to help you slow down, soak it all in and enjoy the final days before Christmas.

🎟️ Events This Week

• 🚜 TNS Littleport Christmas Lights Spectacular – 150 Years

  Thurlow Nunn Standen celebrates its 150th anniversary with a dazzling display of machinery adorned with fairy lights, a petting zoo, farmers’ market stalls and children’s activities. Monday 22 December, 2pm – 6pm and entry is free. Children can meet Father Christmas for a £5 donation, with all proceeds going to Dementia UK. It’s a sparkling community afternoon!

• 🎅 Father Christmas at the Fen – Wicken Fen

  Join the elves at Wicken Fen for a traditional visit. Little ones make a craft before heading to the cosy Fen Cottage to meet Santa, play games and collect a present. Sessions run 20 December – 23 December, 10am – 3:30pm with tickets £14.50 per child plus normal admission. Wrap up warm – this magical experience books up fast!

• 🦌 Children’s Christmas Party – Littleport Ex‑Services Club

  Intercity Disco hosts an afternoon of games and dancing with a special visit from Santa. Tickets are just £2.50 per child and include all the fun. Sunday 21 December, 3pm – 7pm. Snap up tickets from the club – this family disco is always popular!

• 🎄 Santa’s Little Helper’s Workshop – Ben’s Yard Ely

  Amelie Restaurant transforms into Santa’s workshop for ages 3 – 12. From 9am – 1pm on Monday 22 December, children enjoy a glitter bar, craft stations, reindeer‑food making and letter‑writing before tucking into a festive breakfast. Tickets £22 per child (under‑2s free) and adults pay only for their meal. A complimentary mimosa awaits grown‑ups - perfect for a magical morning out.

• 🐇 WWT Hare Walk – Welney Wetland Centre

  Head out onto normally closed wetlands with WWT guides to spot hares in the wild. Winter’s short vegetation makes it easier to see boxing and foraging hares, and you might glimpse owls and swans too. Saturday 20 December, 1pm - 2:30pm. Tickets are £5 per adult and you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket if you are not a WWT member. Free for juniors (under 17).

• 🕯️ Midnight Mass – Ely Cathedral

  The waiting and watching of Advent is brought to fulfilment in the deepest part of the night at Wednesday 24 December at 11pm. This solemn and beautiful service marks the transition from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. British Sign Language interpreted. A profound moment of peace and reflection in the Cathedral's candlelit nave.

👋 Local and Sponsored Picks

• 🎼 Christmas Music & Words – Sessions House

  Harpist Bonnie Scott and flautist Ruby Howells of Duo Tânwen return for an intimate concert featuring Tchaikovsky and much‑loved carols. Actor Brian Watson intersperses the music with charming festive reading. Saturday 20 December, 1pm - 2:30pm and tickets are £7.50. A cosy, cultural treat for a winter afternoon.

• 👶 Sensory Nativity – St George’s Church, Littleport

  This inclusive service uses tactile props, music and Makaton signing to tell the Christmas story for children and adults with additional sensory needs. The 30‑minute story is followed by refreshments. Sunday 21 December, 3pm - 3:30pm with free entry. Everyone is welcome to share the magic in a calm, welcoming space.

• 🖍️ Little Explorers – Ely Museum

  Young adventurers can explore Ely Museum with festive crafts, songs and stories at this gentle pre‑school session. Friday 19 December, 10am – 12pm; tickets are £3.50 per child (adults free). Numbers are limited, so book ahead and enjoy a creative start to the holidays.

😊 Good News in 60 Seconds

• 🎁 Record Donations Bring Joy to Ely Christmas Toy Bank

  More families than ever before could be supported this Christmas thanks to a record number of donations to Ely's Christmas Toy Bank at St Mary's Church. Organisers said the response from locals has been "overwhelming," with businesses including City Cycle Centre, Tesco, Waitrose, Premier Travel, Fresh Fitness and Wellness, Ely Tool Hire and Ely Tyre Services volunteering as collection points. Since launching in 2022, the Toy Bank has supported families across East Cambridgeshire struggling to afford presents for their children.

• 🍺 Haddenham Beer Festival Shares the Love
  The Haddenham Beer Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary by donating over £12,000 to local charities. Major beneficiary Branching Out used the funds to buy a new minibus for adults with learning disabilities. Over the past decade the festival has raised more than £100,000 for good causes. Cheers to pints that make a difference!

• 🥐 Ely Bake Shop Crowned Best Bakery in Cambridgeshire

  The Bake Shop on St Mary's Street in Ely has been named the best bakery in Cambridgeshire at the prestigious 2025 National Bakery Awards. Hundreds of bakeries gathered in London for the ceremony, and the passionate team at this neighbourhood bakery which started in 2018 from a garage with just one small mixer has been recognised for their dedication to quality and craft.

Thanks for being part of Ely Scene. Have a brilliant festive week ahead! 🎄